Matchday 30: liveblog!

3 years ago

FC Bayern München beat FC Schalke 04 in Saturday's late kick-off, while Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's Bayer 04 Leverkusen came out on top against Marco Fabian's Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 30. Follow all of the build-up, action and reaction LIVE on bundesliga.com...

Well, that win for Köln brings the Bundesliga to and end for this weekend. Fortunately, there's DFB Cup action this week with FC Bayern München welcoming SV Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund travelling to Hertha Berlin. We'll have previews of those with you shortly, but in the meantime, here are the standings...

Köln head coach Peter Stöger opts for a five-man backline for the trip to Mainz

17:19 - FULL TIME! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 3-0 HAMBURGER SV

17:13 - GOAL! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 3-0 HAMBURGER SV

Drobny fails to hold on to Shinji Kagawa's fierce effort and Adrian Ramos taps home to put the seal on a routine victory for Thomas Tuchel's side.

17:09 - AUBAMEYANG ON...

...and he very nearly sets up Adrian Ramos, who heads over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.

16:58 - ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

That lad Pulisic nearly slips through Gonzalo Castro but Hamburg manage to clear. Just under 20 minutes remaining at the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK and Dortmund are very nearly home and hosed.

16:49 - ALMOST THREE!

Ilkay Gündogan slips through Adrian Ramos, but the Colombian internationa fails to direct his effort on target after rounding Drobny. Still 2-0, but Dortmund very much on top.

16:47 - Dortmund's gem

Find out more about the man who opened the scoring for BVB against HSV, Christian Pulisic!

16:39 RED CARD (HAMBURG)!

Rene Adler brings down Shinji Kagawa outside the area and the HSV custodian is off! No way back for the visitors now, surely? Jaroslav Drobny is on in Adler's stead.

16:34 - SECOND HALF UNDERWAY!

The ball is rolling again at the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. Is there any way back for HSV here? Bruno Labbadia's side need a goal soon...

16:24 - In a nutshell...

16:16 - HALF TIME! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2-0 HAMBURGER SV

16:13 - GOAL! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 2-0 HAMBURGER SV

Adrian Ramos makes it 2-0, outfoxing Cleber on the edge of the area and curling into the far corner. The BVB fans go wild once more! Hamburg have a mountain to climb...

16:08 GOAL! BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-0 HAMBURGER SV

Christian Pulisic scores his first goal for Dortmund, and it's a lovely one. The youngster latches onto a lovely reverse ball from Hummels before firing a low shot into the back of the net. BVB lead!

16:05 - SUBSTITUTION

Sven Schipplock comes on for Pierre-Michel Lasogga, who fell awkwardly after a meaty challenge from Mats Hummels. The substitute is suddenly in acres of space in the area, but Hummels is there to clear the ball before the striker can square it.

15:59 - NO SIGN OF A BREAKTHROUGH

Searching for: a gap

15:47 - GREAT CHANCE FOR HSV!

Lasogga plays a beautiful reverse pass into the box, right onto Ivo Ilicevic's head. The Croatian fails to direct the header on target, though, and Dortmund breathe a sigh of relief.

15:42 - EVEN OPENING

It's been a tight start in Dortmund. Christian Pulisic has gone close for BVB, while Nicolai Müller has just flashed one wide for the visitors. Still goalless there.

15:30 - KICK-OFF!

We're underway in Dortmund. BVB have lost five of their last seven against Hamburg, can they turn the tide today? Let's find out...

15:25 - Kick-off approaching...

Stay tuned for updates from the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK!

15:14 - Familiar surroundings?

They're becoming more familiar, certainly...

14:51 - Bayern's key duo

A 3-0 home victory over Schalke put FC Bayern within touching distance of a record fourth straight Bundesliga title. With the DFB Cup and the UEFA Champions League also firmly in Bayern’s sights, Arturo Vidal and Robert Lewandowski look set to play a key role in the hunt for glory on three fronts.

Scroll through the best images from the latest round of German top-flight action right here!

13:52 - hip hip...!

13:37 - Live on radio!

As ever, Sunday's encounters are being broadcast live on Bundesliga radio. Tune in from 15:30CEST to listen to Dortmund's clash with Hamburg. Mainz vs Köln will be live on air from 17:30CEST.

13:23 - Good news for those of a Bayern persuasion

12:56 - Carnival clubs collide

1. FC Köln will be looking to ease their growing relegation fears at 1. FSV Mainz 05 in Sunday's late encounter. The Billy Goats are just three points above the relegation play-off position after Saturday's results, but three points would be a huge stride towards safety for Peter Stöger's side. Mainz, meanwhile, could close the gap on fourth-place Hertha to just a single point with a win.

The title might be out of Borussia Dortmund's reach after Bayern's victory on Saturday, but a victory over Hamburger SV would do Thomas Tuchel's side the world of good for several reasons. Not only would it help heal the wounds caused by Thursday's agonising defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League, it would also end a run of four league matches without a win against the Red Shorts.

It's not too late to get your hands on an official TORFABRIK matchball signed by Chicharito or Marco Fabian. Find out more here!

12:09 - 'We want to give them a good game'

Werder Bremen's Zlatko Junuzovic is looking forward to the DFB Cup semi-final with Bundesliga leaders Bayern after helping the Green-Whites to a 3-2 win over VfL Wolfsburg on Matchday 30.

11:56 - Chicharito injury fears

Leverkusen fans' hearts were in their mouths on Saturday evening, despite their team's 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Die Werkself's top scorer with 16 Bundesliga goals, limped off with what looked like a knee injury in the second half and was replaced by Kevin Kampl.

After scoring twice in Bayern's comprehensive win over the Royal Blues, Robert Lewandowski insisted the Bavarians will not take their eye off the ball in the Bundesliga, despite their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final against Club Atletico de Madrid.

"We need to give it our all in the Bundesliga until the end of the season," said the Poland international. "The Atletico games won’t be easy, but we have to show that we want to reach the final."

After Saturday's action, seven clubs in the bottom half of the Bundesliga are separated by just four points. Darmstadt, FC Augsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim all recorded priceless victories, but what did their match-winners make of it all?

Watch the video below to find out!

11:15 - Happy Birthday Medhi!

Birthday boy Medhi Benatia must be a particularly happy chappy this morning. The defender, who turns 29 on Sunday, helped Bayern to a 3-0 victory over Schalke in Saturday's late game to edge the Bavarians towards yet another title. Many happy returns, Medhi!

11:00 - Welcome back!

It's been a weekend of drama at both ends of the Bundesliga table: FC Bayern München edged ever closer to a fourth straight league title, while just four points separate tenth-placed SV Darmstadt 98 from 16th-placed SV Werder Bremen after Saturday's results. Hamburger SV and 1. FC Köln can ease their relegation fears on Sunday. That's if they beat Borussia Dortmund and Europe-chasing 1. FSV Mainz 05 respectively. Gulp.

Saturday, 16 April

20:35 - Ciao for now!

That's all from us for today, but stay on bundesliga.com for more reaction to Bayern's win over Schalke and the rest of Saturday's encounters. We'll be back on Sunday with build-up to Dortmund's clash with Hamburg and Köln's trip to Mainz. See you then.

19:28 - A disappointing evening

20:18 - FULL TIME! FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN 3-0 FC SCHALKE 04

A routine win for Bayern, who take another huge stride towards the league title. Over to you, Dortmund...

20:15 - BAYERN ON THE BRINK

Pep Guardiola's troops are moving then points clear of Borussia Dortmund as things stand. Surely the Meisterschale is heading to Munich for the fourth time in a row...

20:05 - NO JOY FOR THE VISITORS

Junior Caicara latches onto a ball over the top of the Bayern defence, but the Brazilian is flagged for offside. Moments later Younes Belhanda works his way into the penalty area and is thwarted once more by Neuer, who gets down low to palm the Moroccan's shot to safety. Schalke are refusing to give up here, but it's surely too little, too late now.

20:01 - FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN 3-0 FC SCHALKE 04

Wonderful stuff from substitute Franck Ribery, who outfoxes several Schalke defenders on the left before squaring for Arturo Vidal, who sidefoots the ball into the net to surely put the game beyond the Royal Blues.

19:55 - SANE THWARTED BY NEUER

Leroy Sane finds a pocket of space in the penalty area but fails to beat Manuel Neuer with a header. Time is running out for the Royal Blues...

19:52 - GOAL! FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN 2-0 FC SCHALKE 04

Scrap that last one... Robert Lewandowski has his second of the afternoon, getting on the end of Rafinha's pin-point cross and planting a header into the opposite corner of Ralf Fährmann's goal. No way back for the Royal Blues now, it would seem...

19:51 - GOOD RESPONSE

Schalke have responded well to going a goal behind. The visitors are breaking forward with increasing regularity, but their final ball has been lacking.

19:48 - It's not over yet...

19:42 - GOAL! FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN 1-0 FC SCHALKE 04

Robert Lewandowski chests the ball down, turns and buries the ball beyond Fährmann. Nothing the visiting keeper could do about that! It's the Poland international's 26th league goal of the season and Bayern lead 1-0 in Munich.

19:40 - FÄHRMANN KEEPING BUSY

Arturo Vidal, who scored in Bayern's 2-2 draw at Benfica in midweek, drags a shot just wide of Ralf Fährmann's right hand post. The Schalke keeper then thwarts Douglas Costa with a smart save. Bayern can smell blood...

19:36 - CHANCES AT BOTH ENDS

First Philipp Lahm has a shot from a tight angle deflected wide, then Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's shot is blocked on the edge of the six-yard area. It's been a lively opening to the second half in Munich. You sense a goal is coming...

19:33 SECOND HALF UNDERWAY IN MUNICH

The ball is rolling again at the Allianz and Kingsley Coman tests Ralf Fährmann straight away, firing at the Schalke custodian from 20 yards. More of the same, please...!

19:29 - 100 and counting for Geis

19:25 - Partytime in the Caldirola household

Darmstadt's Luca Caldirola has double reason to celebrate after the Lilies crucial 2-0 victory over fellow promoted side Ingolstadt...

19:15 - HALF TIME! FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN 0-0 FC SCHALKE 04

19:13 - No breakthrough... yet

Still no sign of a goal as the interval approaches. The Royal Blues have been very organised, but Manuel Neuer has been a spectator for much of the half. Robert Lewandowski had Bayern's closest chance, but Ralf Fährmann pulled off a smart save to deny the Polish international.

19:11- Augsburg leapfrog Stuttgart

An Alfred Finnbogason goal (see below) earned FC Augsburg a vital victory over VfB Stuttgart at the WWK Arena. The win lifts Die Fuggerstädter above VfB, who have picked up just two points from their last five games and sit precariously above the bottom three.

19:00 - GREAT DEFENDING

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar very nearly gets on the end of a defence-splitting pass, but Medhi Benatia recovers to get a toe to the ball and clear for a corner. Brilliant defending by the Moroccan international.

18:59 - CHANCE FOR LEWANDOWSKI

Just approaching the half-hour mark at the Allianz Arena and Bayern very nearly break the deadlock. Robert Lewandowski gets on the end of a teasing cross from the right and directs a firm header towards goal, but Ralf Fährmann is equal to it. Promising from the league leaders' perspective...

18:47 - BERNAT GOES CLOSE

Juan Bernat breaks forward on the left-hand side before firing across the face of goal. The hosts fail to make the most of the resulting corner and Schalke manage to clear...

18:46 - SCHALKE HOLDING THEIR OWN

Not much goalmouth action in Munich since that early Costa chance. A tame Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg shot is the closest Schalke have gone to a goal, but the Royal Blues aren't giving the Bavarians any time on the ball thus far. A solid start by Andre Breitenreiter's troops.

18:43 - Pizarro breaks Werder record

Congratulations to one of the most prolific marksmen the Bundesliga has ever seen. A great day for Pizarro and his team-mates, who held on to record a priceless 3-2 victory at home to Wolfsburg, boosting their survival hopes in the process.

18:35 - Leverkusen cement third place

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have leapfrogged Hertha Berlin into third after a comfortable victory against Eintracht Frankfurt. Kevin Kampl, Julian Brandt and Karim Bellarabi got the goals for the hosts, but their afternoon was soured somewhat after an injury to top scorer Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez.

18:32 - EARLY CHANCE!

First opportunity of the game falls to Bayern's Douglas Costa, who capitalises on some questionable Schalke defending inside the penalty area to curl a ball towards the top far corner. The Brazil international fails to hit the target, though.

18:30 - KICK-OFF!

Schalke, kicking from left to right in the first half, get the ball rolling at the Allianz Arena. Can the Royal Blues upset the odds or will Bayern take another huge step towards a record-breaking fourth consecutive title?

18:26 - Four minutes to go

The away changing room at the Allianz Arena a couple of hours ago. The teams are emerging from the tunnel. Kick-off just minutes away...

18:08 - Warming up in Munich

17:49 - YES!

There's no stopping TSG 1899 Hoffenheim under Julian Nagelsmann. The Sinsheim club's 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin has lifted them onto 34 points - three points ahead of the relegation play-off position. Who would have thought that a few months ago? What a job Nagelsmann has done...

17:32 - BAYERN VS SCHALKE TEAM NEWS

Bremen 3-2 Wolfsburg

17:21 - FULL TIME!

Hoffenheim 2-1 Hertha

Leverkusen 3-0 Frankfurt

Augsburg 1-0 Stuttgart

Darmstadt 2-0 Ingolstadt

17:11 - A flurry of goals!

The ball's in the back of the net at Darmstadt, Hoffenheim and Bremen, and all of them have a huge bearing on the relegation battle!

After a two-season absence from Bundesliga 2, Dynamo have returned to Germany's second tier after a 2-2 draw at 1. FC Magdeburg. Congratulations!

16:13 - Finnbogason strikes

Was that part of Markus Weinzierl's masterplan?

16:01 - Pizarro the record-breaker

That goal for Claudio Pizarro makes him Werder Bremen's record scorer in the Bundesliga. He now has 102 goals, one more than Marco Bode. What a man.... he also has 14 goals in his last 13 matches. Not bad at all for a 37-year-old.

15:55 - We have a goal!

The first of the afternoon has been scored Hertha's Niklas Stark at Hoffenheim.

15:30 - We're underway!

The ball is rolling in five Bundesliga games this afternoon...

15:03 Werder Bremen - Wolfsburg confirmed line-ups

Claudio Pizarro - scorer of 10 goals in 2016 - returns to lead the line for Bremen.

After two assists in his last two games, Wolfsburg hand Brazilian winger Bruno Henrique his second Bundesliga start.

14:52 Darmstadt - Ingolstadt line-ups

Darmstadt have Europe's deadliest defender at the heart of their team in the shape of captain Aytac Sulu.

Can he stop Moritz Hartmann at the other end? The Ingolstadt striker would pull into double figures for Bundesliga goals if he scores today.

14:47 Chicharito leads the line

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez starts up front on his own for Bayer 04 Leverkusen with Stefan Kießling on the bench.

Chicharito's Mexican colleague Marco Fabian is among the substitutes for Eintracht Frankfurt.

14:41 Hertha - Hoffenheim starting XIs

Hertha Berlin continue with a 4-4-2 formation, with Salomon Kalou and Vedad Ibisevic - having scored 23 Bundesliga goals between them this season - leading the line in tandem.

Hoffenheim are without suspended Germany right-back Sabastian Rudy.

14:34 Confirmed line-ups

Augsburg remain without Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker and Alexander Esswein, whilst there is only a place on the bench for 11-goal Raul Bobadilla.

Stuttgart's Martin Harnik has been struck down by flu.

14:26 A nice day for survival

FC Ingolstadt 04 have arrived at SV Darmstadt 98 with 39 points in the bag. If SV Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt fail to win, then Die Schanzer will guarantee a second consecutive season in the Bundesliga should they prevail today.

14:16 Hoffenheim arrive

Hoffenheim, with their record of 17 points in nine games under Julian Nagelsmann, have arrived at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar Arena.

14:10 He's done things you never expected...

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has scored 16 Bundesliga goals this season, as well as four in the DFB Cup. Can the Mexican hitman add to his tally against Eintracht Frankfurt?

14:04 Capital punishment

Third-placed Hertha Berlin have lost three of their last four away games. Can they get back to winning ways against a TSG 1899 Hoffenheim side currently enjoying their longest undefeated streak of the season?

"It is obvious that we will need to a good performance on Sunday. I appreciate that HSV are an efficient team who play with passion."

13:32 Fighting talk

Alejandro Galvez scored his first goal of the season in SV Werder Bremen's 3-2 loss at Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 28. The Spanish defender is calling for more ahead of the VfL Wolfsburg game, tweeting:

"We can play football. Today, at home and with the support of our fans, we will demonstrate that."

Saturday, 16 April

13.24 Clipped wings?

Eintracht Frankfurt are excited for their clash at the BayArena, but is the clock ticking on Die Adler's four-year stay in the Bundesliga?

13:18 Wunderball?

Bayer 04 Leverkusen versus Eintracht Frankfurt has some added Mexican spice with the presence of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Marco Fabian. You can win an official match ball signed by one of the stars!

13:05 - Munich landmark

Great snap of Bayern's magnificent Allianz Arena, courtesy of Holger Badstuber. He's obviously in good spirits as he continues his recovery following surgery on a fractured ankle. We miss you, Holger!

12:45 - Werder's Wonderwall

This Werder Bremen fan is feeling confident ahead of the Green-Whites' game against VfL Wolfsburg. Can't beat a bit of Oasis, but who's going to be the one to save Viktor Skripnik's men?

12:20 - Mexican derby

Huge Mexican interest in Leverkusen's clash with Frankfurt as Javier Hernandez and Marco Fabian line up on opposing sides for the first time in the Bundesliga.

11:45 - Insua pumped

Stuttgart's Emiliano Insua is determined to help Stuttgart put any lingering relegation concerns to bed against Augsburg this afternoon.

11:25 - Bayern host Schalke

The Royal Blues are looking for a first win against Bayern in all competitions in 11 attempts, and they have their work cut out if they are to upset the Bavarians' title charge.

Well what a start we've had to the matchday! Not many would have predicted a 2-0 win for Hannover against Gladbach last night, but that's exactly what happened. And if you enjoyed that, there's plenty more to come this afternoon.

"We didn’t show nearly enough today. You have to look at the season as a whole. When you consider how we started the campaign we’ve managed to put ourselves in a great position. We have to take it one game at a time, though, and try to pick up points in our remaining games. We prepared well for the game and wanted to close the gap on the teams above us, but we just have to keep focusing on ourselves and not on other teams."

22:37 - Hannover coach Daniel Stendel - 'I believe in miracles'

"I’m very happy. It was a really good atmosphere against Hamburg two weeks ago, and we knew the fans would support us if we try as hard as we did last time out and it was a great atmosphere again. It would be lovely if one or two of the players who played tonight could make a name for themselves at the club in the coming years."

22:31 - Gladbach captain Martin Stranzl - 'We have to be braver'

"We made too many mistakes today. If you have problems in controlling the ball and in passing the ball, you shouldn’t be surprised when you lose the game. We also only created two chances, which isn’t enough. We’ve dropped more points on the road, so we have to make up for it at home next week. We’ve been training in a very focused manner all week, so that’s not the reason [for the defeat]. Perhaps it’s something we all need to sit down and discuss. We have to be braver and play our football on the road."

Honour to whom honour is due

22:26 - Gladbach coach Andre Schubert - We weren't aggressive enough

"We had to make a lot of changes which isn’t easy. There wasn’t any real flow in our game and the opponents were very aggressive. We didn’t start the game very well and weren’t aggressive enough in our play. We didn’t get close enough to Hannover and weren’t tight enough in midfield. We’re a team that usually plays good football - as our position in the table shows - but we didn’t manage to do that today."

22:19 - FULL TIME

Amazing! Hannover 96 end of a seven-game losing streak on home soil, while Borussia Mönchengladbach go a ninth straight away game without picking up three points.

22:16 - GLADBACH CHANCE

It just hasn't been Gladbach's night as Patrick Herrmann heads wide at the front post from a free-kick.

22:08 - HANNOVER CHANCE!

Miiko Albornoz has a free-kick in a good position, but can't get the better of Yann Sommer who makes a comfortable save.

22:04 - GLADBACH CHANCE!

Hannover fail to clear their lines allowing Lars Stindl to knock the ball down to Fabian Johnson, who can't find the target on the volley.

21.55 - PACE HAS SLOWED

Noah-Joel Sarenren-Bazee is lightning fast and keen on taking on his man. He gets to the byline again, but can't find a recipient for his drilled cross. The game as a whole though is lacking pace.

21:46 - HANNOVER GOAL!

Kenan Karaman's effort is deflected onto the post, but with Yann Sommer slow to react, Artur Sobiech is on hand to tap home the rebound and double Hannover's lead.

21:41 - HANNOVER CHANCE!

Kenan Karaman stings the palms of Yann Sommer from range. The hosts really fancy themselves tonight and are making Gladbach look like a mid-table side as opposed to one fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League.

21:38 - HANNOVER GOAL!

Noah-Joel Sarenren-Bazee bursts down the wing, shaking off two attempted challenges from Andreas Christensen and getting to the byline where his pull back is smashed under the body of Yann Sommer by Waldemar Anton.

21:30 - SECOND HALF

We're back underway in the HDI Arena. Goals...please give us goals...we'll even settle for just the one!

21:15 - HALF-TIME!

It's goalless at the break. Chances have been few and far between, but in terms of the entertainment factor the only way is up in the second half.

21:10 - SOMMER DOUBLE SAVE

Yann Sommer twice comes to Gladbach's rescue first saving from Noah-Joel Sarenren-Bazee at point blank range, before getting down low to his right to keep out a follow up effort from Manuel Schmiedebach.

21:06 - OUCH!

Artur Sobiech and Havard Nordtveit clash heads as they battle for a header in midfield. Sobiech was slower to his feet, but both players appear to be ol to continue.

21:00 - HALF AN HOUR PLAYED

Gladbach are starting to get themselves more into the game thanks to their combination play inside Hannover's half. Right now both sides are lacking a final pass to truly carve open their opponents.

20:57 - GLADBACH CHANCE!

There's something about reverse passes tonight. This time it is Gladbach who go close as Raffael slots the ball through to Fabian Johnson. However, Zieler was sharply off his line to close the angle and prevent the visitors taking the lead.

20:49 - HANNOVER CHANCE!

Artur Sobiech's well-timed reverse pass finds Hiroshi Kiyotake through on goal, but after a heavy first touch, the Japanese international could only blaze his effort over from 10 yards out.

20:45 - 15 MINUTES GONE

Captain Martin Stranzl and top goalscorer Raffael have both returned to the starting line-up, but Gladbach have not looked their sprightly selves in the opening exchanges. Hannover, meanwhile, are playing with a confidence that has been sorely lacking this season.

20:36 - WOODWORK!

Gladbach have started brightly, but it's Hannover who go closest first as Noah-Joel Sarenren-Bazee breaks into the box only to pull his effort onto the far post. What a chance!

20:30 - KICK OFF!

The ball is rolling in the HDI Arena in Hannover. A big game for both sides. Hannover have to win to boast a realistic chance of retaining their Bundesliga status, while Gladbach can't afford to drop anymore points in the battle for a top-four finish.

20:25 - CURTAIN RAISER

Getting the action kicked off on Matchday 30, lowly Hannover 96 play host to top-four hopefuls Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Reds have lost their last seven home games, while Gladbach are without a win in eight road trips. Something's got to give.

New Hannover coach Daniel Stendel picked up a positive result in his first game in charge of the Lower Saxony side; it took his predecessor Thomas Schaaf six games to manage that.Hannover have lost the last seven home games. Tasmania Berlin and Hansa Rostock (eight each) have the Bundesliga's worst run.The Foals, however, have only taken two of a possible 24 points from the last eight games on the road.

Here's the Foals' starting XI for tonight's clash with Hannover. Club captain Martin Stranzl returns for Andre Schubert's side - his last appearance was in Matchday 20's 5-1 home win over Werder Bremen. Forward Raffael also returns after two games out due to injury.

The Bundesliga champions, meanwhile, who face Schalke on home turf tomorrow evening, have been handed a tough test in the UEFA Champions League in the shape of Spain's current second-placed side Atletico Madrid.

...what a weekend of action that was in Europe. It's back to domestic action this week, and what better place to start than getting in the mood for Gladbach's visit to Hannover tonight with a Thorgan Hazard exclusive interview? Just click on the link below.